Why are indigenous Malaysians being enticed into hunting helmeted hornbills?

Question

Accepted Answer

Indigenous Malaysians are being enticed to hunt helmeted hornbills to supply an illegal Far East market for their casques, which are referred to as "red ivory."

International wildlife smuggling syndicates are actively recruiting indigenous Malaysians, particularly the Orang Asli, to hunt the endangered helmeted hornbill. These syndicates are exploiting the demand for the bird's hard casque, which is highly valued in illegal markets in China and Taiwan. Collectors in these regions are reportedly willing to pay between US$80 and US$100 for each casque.
Exploitation of Indigenous Communities

Smuggling operations are specifically targeting local communities, with a focus on the Orang Asli, to engage in the hunting of helmeted hornbills. This practice is facilitated by syndicates who approach individuals and offer them incentives to procure the casques. The involvement of these communities is crucial for the syndicates to obtain the raw materials for their illicit trade.
Lucrative "Red Ivory" Market

The casques of the helmeted hornbill are a sought-after commodity, known in the illegal trade as "red ivory." This term highlights their value and desirability among collectors in the Far East, particularly in China and Taiwan. The high prices offered, ranging from US$80 to US$100 per casque, underscore the profitability of this illegal trade and the motivation for syndicates to continue their operations.
Smuggling Routes Through Borneo

Areas along Sarawak's border with Kalimantan, Indonesia, are identified as prime locations for the hunting of these birds. Wildlife syndicates then utilise human couriers to transport the casques across the Kalimantan-Sarawak border. Subsequently, these "red ivories" are smuggled out of Malaysia, with Kuching and Kota Kinabalu airports serving as key transit points for shipment to the Far East.
Shift in Smuggling Operations

Recent increased enforcement by Indonesian wildlife authorities at key airports in Kalimantan has reportedly pushed smuggling syndicates to shift their sourcing and shipping activities to Malaysia. This heightened scrutiny in Indonesia has made Malaysian entry points, such as Kuching airport, a more attractive, albeit still illegal, gateway for the trade, partly due to a perceived lack of awareness regarding the ban on helmeted hornbill casques in the region.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are indigenous Malaysians being enticed into hunting helmeted hornbills?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends